Premier League survival hero Seb Larsson is not bitter but faces Sunderland exit

SUNDERLAND IN WONDERLAND: Seb Larsson (2nd right) celebrates with team mates after scoring the winner at Man United

Published:08:30Tuesday 06 May 2014

SEB LARSSON insists his future remains up in the air, despite speculation linking the Sunderland midfielder with a summer move to Stoke City.

Sunderland are yet to hold any contract talks with Larsson, whose current deal at the Stadium of Light expires at the end of the campaign.

There are no shortage of suitors for Larsson, with German side Borussia Monchengladbach, along with Turkish pair Besiktas and Galatasaray, all keeping tabs on the Swede, while Stoke have also been credited with an interest.

As SportMail reported last month, Sunderland rejected an offer from another Premier League club for Larsson in the January transfer window and it is now thought that Stoke were the interested party.

The Potters, who also saw a January move for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole fall through, are expected to resurrect their interest this summer, with Larsson offering an experienced option on a Bosman deal.

But the 28-year-old says “no decisions” have been taken on his next move after three years at the Stadium of Light. When asked where his future lies, Larsson told the Swedish press: “Good question, I have no answer.

“The contract expires. There are no decisions made about the future.

“But of course when a contract expires, there is a chance to play football elsewhere when no new contract is forthcoming.

“I’ve learned that you should not let emotions take over too much. You must do as much as possible, get safe this season and then sit down in the summer and take a decision.”

Despite Sunderland opting against opening contract talks, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Larsson could be offered a new deal by Gus Poyet, although the likelihood is that he will depart on a free transfer.

Certainly, Larsson has played a key role in Sunderland’s return of 10 points from the last four games; netting the winner in the Black Cats’ victory at Manchester United on Saturday.

And the former Birmingham City man admits he has been pleased with his form during the stunning turnaround in Sunderland’s form over recent weeks.

“We have needed points for a few weeks and it’s nice that we’ve managed to take them,” he added.

“It has been a frustrating season for many reasons, but the last matches have felt good, both for the team and me personally.